Meaningful reconnection after a break; women in tech and a fresh take on brand-building with ESPRIT's Global Chief Brand Officer

Welcome back to my weekly newsletter after a bit of a Holiday hiatus.

We often hear about the need to 'disconnect' to recharge -- and many of us (present company included) feel the need to completely zone out when we get some time off. If you're like me, the challenge with 'reconnecting' after such a period off is that it gets pretty difficult to rewire my brain for full performance and flow. I've pondered what a different approach would look like for me, and I've settled on connecting with things that replenish and nourish my spirit -- you'll find a list with suggestions below!

The power of thought leadership

Speaking of replenishing and nourishing, I had a great time last week giving a second workshop on Thought Leadership to a group of women leaders at accounting firm PSB BOISJOLI . This experience was nothing short of transformative. We delved into the powerful tools of thought leadership, exploring how it can amplify our voices, elevate our professional presence, and create impactful change. It wasn't obvious at first for many around the table, for whom thought leadership was a foreign notion -- but the engagement and insightful discussions that followed underscored the immense potential thought leadership holds for women in business.

Thought leadership is more than just an expertise showcase; it's a platform for inspiration and innovation. It drives us to lead with our ideas, shape conversations, and drive progress in our fields. For women, this is especially pivotal. It offers a unique avenue to challenge norms, share diverse perspectives, and assert our role as influential figures in our industries.

If you're looking to empower your team or organization with these dynamic tools, I am excited to offer tailored workshops on thought leadership. Together, we can unlock new horizons of influence and innovation. To book a session and embark on this journey of growth and leadership, please feel free to contact me. Let's inspire and lead together... I will also be sharing more content on this topic in upcoming newsletters and posts.

The myth of total disconnection

Completely stepping away from everything sometimes leaves me feeling more lost than refreshed. That's why I've shifted my focus towards engaging in activities that fill me with joy and purpose.

What Works for Me

1. Embracing hobbies: I've tapped into creative outlets and hobbies that excite and nourish me. Whether reading, travelling, visiting a gallery or a museum -- or even regular time in nature; these activities provide a serene escape from work demands.
2. Continuous learning: I love feeding my curiosity. Whether through a fascinating book, an inspiring podcast, or an online course, learning new things keeps me energized and excited about life.
3. Meaningful networking: I find great joy in connecting with fellow women entrepreneurs who share my interests and values. It's not just about business; it's about building enriching and supportive relationships. You've heard me talk about this before: women network differently than men!
4. Mindfulness practices: Integrating mindfulness into my daily life has been a game changer. Activities like yoga, meditation, or journaling help me stay centred and calm amidst the chaos.
5. Volunteering: Giving back to the community gives me a sense of purpose and connection that transcends professional achievements. It's a heartfelt reminder of the bigger picture and the impact we can have.

Striking the right balance

It's all about balance for me. I make sure to mix these engaging activities with quiet, introspective moments. This harmony keeps me grounded and helps me maintain momentum in my personal and professional life.

I encourage you to explore what replenishes you. It's not always about stepping away from everything; sometimes, it's about stepping into different, more nourishing experiences. Let's embrace this journey of discovering what truly rejuvenates us, making us better in every facet of our lives.

The Brand is Female Conversation Series returns for 2024: it's time for meaningful community-building on February 14th!

Join us in Toronto on February 14th for our upcoming Women in Tech event, where you’ll have the opportunity to hear from founders Emma Todd of MMH Technology Group and Maggie Adhami-Boyton of ShopThing. This event is part of our TBIF Conversations Series, proudly presented by TD Women in Enterprise, with conferences across Canada including Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Emma Todd is the founder and CEO of MMH Technology Group – one of the very few female-owned crypto-mining companies in North America. Breaking down barriers as a leader in the field, Emma is one of the 7% of women of colour on publicly traded boards and is recognized globally for her leadership.? She has addressed prestigious forums including the Parliament of Canada, the United Nations Headquarters and the United Nations General Assembly, sharing the stage with various heads of state. Among her many accolades, Emma has been awarded one of the Top 100 Black Women to Watch in Canada and one of 2019’s Top 100 Influencers for Sustainable Development Goals, solidifying her position as a Canadian tech trailblazer.?

With over 15 years of experience in the startup ecosystem and a Harvard Master’s degree, Maggie Adhami-Boynton has reshaped the luxury goods shopping experience with ShopThing . Launched in 2019, the first-of-its-kind live video marketplace in North America has made luxury goods more accessible, gaining the largest social commerce audience in the world. Behind the scenes, Adhami-Boynton is actively fostering diversity and inclusivity in the predominantly male-dominated tech field. Her company stands out with a workforce comprising 76% women and 56% people of colour, many of whom hold leadership roles. Recognized as one of USA Today’s Top 100 Emerging Entrepreneurs of 2023, Maggie’s achievements underscore her impact as an innovative leader.

When and where:

• Wednesday, February 14th, 2023
• 9am networking breakfast, followed by a conversation and Q&A from 9:30am to 10:30am
• TD Tower, 66 Wellington St W, Toronto

This is a free event but registration is required. Sign up here: https://www.thebrandisfemale.com/2024/01/tbif-conversation-series-women-in-tech/

The finer art of brand-building

If you’re a woman in business, you’re probably well aware of the crucial role branding plays in commercial success. Often, however, the conversation around branding is dominated by male voices. This week's podcast episode shifts the spotlight to a woman making waves in the industry. Meet Ana Andjelic , a brand executive who earned her stripes transforming brands for marketing giants such as Banana Republic and Rebecca Minkoff .

She has been recognized as one of Forbes ’ Most Influential CMOs, and today, she serves as the Global Chief Brand Officer at Esprit , reviving the iconic nineties brand into a modern powerhouse. With a doctorate in sociology, Ana is not just an academic but a thought leader. Her writing, speaking engagements, and advisory roles have made her a sought-after voice in branding.

As a personal admirer of her newsletter, I can attest to her profound insights. This episode is a masterclass in brand-building, plus a fascinating look at one woman’s journey breaking glass ceilings in the marketing biz.

Ana on building one's career:

"The landscape and the context changed so much from when I was starting 15 years ago. I think twe all need to trust our instincts way more than we do. It's not something that people wanna hear, but I think that we intuitively know what's right for us; and we just sort of need to gravitate towards that. People and environments that really feel right -- we should listen to those signals. I think too often, our ambition puts us in situations that are not necessarily good for us in the longer term. We can force it, but it's never gonna work. And all the hard work always pays off. So I would just say that we need to own what we do, know what we want, and just build our own communities."

In this episode, you will hear about:

• How and why Ana’s mind gets captured by ideas, not role models
• Her advice on navigating one’s career path
• The essential pillars of any brand
• Ana’s take on mastering community-building and storytelling.

This season of our podcast is presented by TD Canada Women in Enterprise.

Thank you for reading -- and for tuning into the podcast this week!

I hope to see you at our upcoming TBIF Conversation Series in Toronto; stay tuned for dates for our Montreal and Vancouver events!

Have a great weekend,